Through education, citizens of God’s kingdom focus on equipping the members of Jesus’ Church for their contribution in the ministry of all believers. Check out the opportunities for education and equipping through ACCM.
Ambassador College of Christian Ministry is operated by Grace Communion International in Australia.
Citizens of God’s kingdom value lifelong learning. And while they are learning at every stage of life, they agree that it’s even better to learn with others.
I was thrilled to be the instructor for Ambassador College of Christian Ministry (ACCM) for the inaugural Jesus and Gospels class. We had a wonderful cross-generational mix of men and women who came with a passion to learn more about Jesus. The four narrative Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are rich and unique as they paint four portraits of the same Jesus. The students eagerly dug into the class material and especially with the group assignments and group presentations.
Here’s a note from Pastor Julie Frantz:
This was an opportunity to come alongside young adults and growing leaders in the church. It provided an opportunity for deeper discipleship and intentional investment in walking with them through Scripture. In our desire to be a faithful Ministry Training Center (MTC), we continue to invite and invest in others as the Lord provides opportunity. This past Memorial Day weekend, we hosted our first ACCM intensive and humbly report that the Lord brought an eager and faithful group to grow and learn together. We are thankful for these initial steps towards being an active MTC.
In our three U.S. MTCs (Cincinnati, OH / Surrey Hills, OK / Sun Valley, CA) our goal is to offer two onsite ACCM classes per year. The students who represent the local church are formed into what we call a “Learning Community.” These people are already regular attenders of the church and are plugged into the life of the church. To invest in their development of Christ-centered, biblical knowledge is to better equip them for more impactful ministry. An added aspect is to create space for some of our current pastors who need to attend to their education, and these classes are a great way to assist them in professional development.
This new way of engaging students at the MTC sites marks a more formal partnership with ACCM and U.S. Church Administration and Development (CAD). It is a huge blessing to have the services of ACCM with the quality classes that are going to make a difference for the students in the Learning Communities.
Greg Williams, President
Charlotte, North Carolina, US
The retreat’s focus was Kingdom Living. The first evening began with a lecture as part of the Christian Leadership course offered by the Ambassador College of Christian Ministry (ACCM). The retreat included a full worship service on both days and an interactive examination of passages drawn from Acts of the Apostles and several of the epistles.
One of the features of this year’s retreat was the number of children in attendance. The children ran and played and ran some more, chasing each other all over the campgrounds. There was a 2-hour session each afternoon of games and children’s ministry activities themed around Kingdom Living.
The total number who participated in the interactive breakouts was nearly 40 adults and teens: six groups of 5 or 6 people on average. Each had a leader and one or two scribes to record the ideas the small group considered important. Then groups reported back to everyone. This was done essentially by the youth, with a little assistance from older members as needed. They did a remarkably good job, and a few of the shyer teens made great strides in their confidence, speaking before all of us.
We plan for the discussion conclusions, and especially those elements that might shape how things might be done in the church in the future, to be collected and woven into a summarising report for use by the GCI Fiji board and pastoral team.
By Dennis Richards, Pastor
Palmerston North, New Zealand
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV
Tom was one of our tour guides on a trip to Vietnam. On our second day with him, he apologised for his imperfect English. Apparently, he had come under criticism from previous tours and was worried about his position with his company.
While it was obvious that the guide was still learning English, we could follow what he was saying. And he was skilled in leading us around the various sites on the tour. Tom broke down as he spoke, and he later explained that he had come from a poor fishing village. Tom had wanted to get a good education but sadly was told that he would never accomplish anything.
He went to university, obtained a degree, and has worked for two years with this tour company. He is married with a young child. He was open about this, because our fellow tour members had shown him kindness and consideration. Following his openness, everyone in our group encouraged him.
How important it is to encourage rather than to criticise! To build up rather than tear down. To give others the benefit of the doubt, realising we generally have no idea of their life story, and the burdens they are already carrying.
Prayer
Loving Father, help me to be an encourager and to love people for who they are. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight. Let my words be kind and gentle, and full of grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen
By Bob Regazzoli, Pastor
Carina, Queensland, Australia
Dear GCI Family and Friends,
Discerning God’s will can often feel like an elusive pursuit in our spiritual lives. While walking through life’s storms and difficult decisions, we are continually reminded of our need to surrender our hearts to God’s divine purposes. My personal journey is marked by defining moments where God used my circumstances to draw me closer to him, fostering both spiritual growth and a clearer understanding of his will.
Even in seasons that appear fully surrendered to him, the Lord’s Spirit continues to inspire our souls, compelling us onward and prompting us to pray “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.” Jesus not only instructed his followers to pray “Thy will be done” when teaching the Lord’s Prayer, but he also modeled this total surrender when he prayed the exact same words before his arrest and crucifixion.
To experience Kingdom Living, we must allow the Holy Spirit to shape our daily choices to reflect God’s will. This calls for a profound, intentional surrender — giving up our lives to mirror the unconditional, self-emptying Christ modeled for us. The apostle Paul beautifully captures this through the early Christ hymn in his letter to the Philippians when he said:
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5-7 NASB
Although Jesus never ceased to be God, he willingly laid aside his divine rights, veiling his glory to choose to live in full submission to the Father’s will as one of us. This self-emptying found its deepest expression in the ultimate surrender: a shameful and sacrificial death upon a Roman cross. More than just a theological fact, this is an invitation to respond to his grace.
Grace Communion International is seeking a Digital Content Developer to serve on our Media Team. This full-time, non-exempt position is based in Charlotte, NC, and reports to the Media Coordinator.
The Digital Content Developer helps tell the story of what God is doing through Grace Communion International by creating thoughtful, engaging digital content including video, podcasts, and graphics. This role collaborates closely with the Media Team to develop projects from concept through completion.
We are looking for someone who values creative excellence, collaboration, and lifelong learning, and who resonates with GCI’s commitment to sharing the gospel and participating in the love and life of the triune God.
Applicants should have relevant education or experience in digital media production and be aligned with GCI’s mission and theological commitments. See the job description here.
If you would like further details on the position or would like a GCI job application, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@gci.org or 980-495-3960.
Please share this announcement with qualified candidates who may be gifted for this position at the Home Office.
Grace Communion International is seeking a Human Resources and Risk Coordinator to serve in our Financial Services Department. This full-time, non-exempt position is based in Charlotte, NC, and reports to the Chief Financial Officer.
Applications are now being accepted. See the job description here.
If you would like further details on the position or would like a GCI job application, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@gci.org or 980-495-3960.
Please share this announcement with qualified candidates who may be gifted for this position at the Home Office.
“Prayer is the song of the heart. It reaches the ear of God even if it is mingled with the cry and tumult of a thousand men.” — Kahlil Gibran
This June, we gather in prayer — learning to follow Jesus more faithfully. We seek to participate in his work and reflect his love in the places where we live and serve.
Continue praying with us. Click here to download the June Prayer Guide.
Would you like to receive this Prayer Guide straight to your email inbox before the first of the month? Sign up here.
GCI Africa Commissions new National Director for Malawi
Grace Communion International (GCI) marked a significant milestone in the life of the church in Malawi with the commissioning of Pastor Dinganie Soko as the new National Director for Malawi during a special service held on 3 May 2026 at GCI Dzaleka. Pastor Soko takes over the role from Pastor Gardener Kunje, who has retired after serving as National Director for Malawi and regional Director for Central Africa.
The commissioning service was presided over by Central Africa Regional Director Pastor Marshall Dube and attended by church leaders, members, and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate this important moment in the ongoing mission of the church in Malawi.
The service was anchored in the words of Jesus from Matthew 9:37–38 (NKJV): “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the labourers are few…” — a fitting reminder of the calling and responsibility entrusted to leaders who serve Christ and his people.
Pastor Soko brings to the role a long history of faithful involvement in the church. Born on 27 April 1970, he grew up in a family deeply connected to the work of GCI. His father joined the then Worldwide Church of God in the early 1980s, laying a spiritual foundation that would later shape Pastor Soko’s own journey of faith and ministry. He was baptised in 2005 and has since served the church in various leadership capacities.
Before his appointment as National Director, Pastor Soko served for several years on the Malawi Church Board of Trustees, including most recently as Chairperson. An ordained elder, he is continuing to pursue theological development through the Ambassador College of Christian Ministry (ACCM), where he has completed a Certificate of Christian Ministry and is currently studying toward a Diploma of Christian Ministry.
In addition to his pastoral calling, Pastor Soko brings extensive professional expertise to the role. He is a Chartered Accountant and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA, UK). He also holds an LLB from the University of South Africa and an MBA from the University of Derby.
He is married to Sekani Soko (née Nyangulu), and together they have three sons. The family resides in Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi.
The commissioning reflects GCI Africa’s ongoing commitment to raising and equipping leaders who will faithfully participate in Christ’s mission of living and sharing the gospel across the continent.
As the church in Malawi enters this new season, members across GCI are invited to pray for Pastor Soko, his family, and the churches in Malawi as they continue to serve in the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Takalani Musekwa, Superintendent of Africa
South Africa
Citizens of the kingdom ask: How is Jesus already at work among our neighbors, and how can we participate faithfully? We understand it’s important to learn the religions, cultures, worldviews, and rhythms of our neighborhoods when discerning mission.
Mapping your neighborhood is an effective ministry tool to help you understand your community. See this Church Hack for more information.
How do we engage with our neighbors whose faith traditions are not Christianity? Below are some ideas:
1. Begin with curiosity, not assumptions. Learn your neighbor’s story. Ask questions before offering answers.
2. Build genuine friendships. Relationships create trust. Friendship is not a strategy; it is Christian love.
3. Listen for spiritual hunger. People often reveal hopes, fears, and questions naturally.
4. Share your experience of Jesus. Testimony is less threatening than debate.
5. Trust the Holy Spirit. We are witnesses; God converts.
In a world shaped by many religions, sharing God’s heart for all people remains essential. See how the following two GCI congregations are living and sharing the gospel in Nepal and India, countries where Hinduism is the majority religion.
GCI in the Mountains.
At an elevation of about 2000 meters (about 6500 feet), in the Himalayan mountain range of eastern Nepal bordering India and China, GCI has a footprint in a village called Tellok. Along with its surrounding villages, it would have a population of about 5000 people. Access to it is only through dirt, mountain roads by a 4-wheel drive jeep.
Roshan Nepali facilitates a fellowship of about 50 people, with a potential for growth in and around the village. He and his family run a small school on their ancestral land. They supplement their income by rearing goats and chickens and growing some food on their land.
I had the privilege of visiting Roshan and speaking to their congregation in April (pictured above). With a population of 29 million (majority of them being Hindu), Christians make up less than 2%. Still, they continue to shine the light of Jesus!
By Dan Zachariah, Superintendent of Asia
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
GCI Hyderabad continues its monthly outreach through Bible study sessions in Bachupally, located about 30 kilometers from the Hyderabad congregation. Around 12 regular participants attend these gatherings, showing enthusiasm for both fellowship and learning.
The current study focuses on the Lord’s Prayer, encouraging deeper reflection and spiritual growth. These sessions provide meaningful opportunities for discussion, learning, and connection.
In addition to teaching, pastoral care and encouragement are offered, reflecting the church’s commitment to nurturing its members spiritually and personally. We hope it will lead to a church plant here. Please join our prayers.
By Praveen Chintha, Pastor
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
